DODGY STARTER... SO CAN PAUL CUT THE GUSTARD?

PAUL GUSTARD’S decision to leave his role as England defence coach in order to take charge at Harlequins was described last week by Eddie Jones as a ‘promotion’. It probably doesn’t feel that way to Gustard at the moment. He couldn’t hide his exasperation after Quins’ third consecutive defeat, against Bristol —- lamenting ‘daft’ lapses by his players. The pressure is on already. Meanwhile, Quins prop Joe Marler has withdrawn from the England training squad for personal reasons.